2009 Hyundai Elantra Owner's Manual

What to do in an emergency18 6Important - use of compact spare tireYour vehicle is equipped with a com-
pact spare tire. This compact spare
tire takes up less space than a regu-
lar-size tire. This tire is smaller than a
conventional tire and is designed for
temporary use only.
The compact spare should be inflat-
ed to 60 psi (420 kPa).
✽ ✽
NOTICECheck the inflation pressure after
installing the spare tire. Adjust it to
the specified pressure, as necessary.
When using a compact spare tire,
observe the following precautions:
Under no circumstances should
you exceed 50 mph (80 km/h); a
higher speed could damage the
tire.
Ensure that you drive slowly
enough for the road conditions to
avoid all hazards. Any road hazard,
such as a pothole or debris, could
seriously damage the compact
spare.
Any continuous road use of this tire
could result in tire failure, loss of
vehicle control, and possible per-
sonal injury.
Do not exceed the vehicle’s maxi-
mum load rating or the load-carry-
ing capacity shown on the sidewall
of the compact spare tire.
Avoid driving over obstacles. The
compact spare tire diameter is
smaller than the diameter of a con-
ventional tire and reduces the
ground clearance approximately 1
inch (25 mm), which could result in
damage to the vehicle.
WARNING
The temporary spare tire is for
emergency use only. Do not
operate your vehicle on this
temporary spare at speeds over
50 mph (80 kmh). The original
tire should be repaired or
replaced as soon as is possible
to avoid failure of the spare
possibly leading to personal
injury or death.
CAUTION
You should drive carefully
when the compact spare is in
use. The compact spare
should be replaced by the
proper conventional tire and
rim at the first opportunity.
The operation of this vehicle
is not recommended with
more than one compact spare
tire in use at the same time.

619
What to do in an emergency
Do not take this vehicle through an
automatic car wash while the com-
pact spare tire is installed.
Do not use tire chains on the com-
pact spare tire. Because of the
smaller size, a tire chain will not fit
properly. This could damage the
vehicle and result in loss of the
chain.
The compact spare tire should not
be installed on the front axle if the
vehicle must be driven in snow or
on ice.
Do not use the compact spare tire
on any other vehicle because this
tire has been designed especially
for your vehicle.
The compact spare tire’s tread life
is shorter than a regular tire.
Inspect your compact spare tire
regularly and replace worn com-
pact spare tires with the same size
and design, mounted on the same
wheel. The temporary spare tire should
not be used on any other wheels,
nor should standard tires, snow
tires, wheel covers or trim rings be
used with the temporary spare
wheel. If such use is attempted,
damage to these items or other car
components may occur.
Do not use more than one tempo-
rary spare tire at a time.
Do not tow a trailer while the tem-
porary spare tire is installed.

What to do in an emergency20 6TOWINGTowing serviceIf emergency towing is necessary, we
recommend having it done by an author-
ized Hyundai dealer or a commercial
tow-truck service. Proper lifting and tow-
ing procedures are necessary to prevent
damage to the vehicle. The use of wheel
dollies or flatbed is recommended.For trailer towing guidelines information,
refer to section 5 “Driving your vehicle”.
It is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the
rear wheels on the ground (without dol-
lies) and the front wheels off the ground.
If any of the loaded wheels or suspen-
sion components are damaged or the
vehicle is being towed with the front
wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly
under the front wheels.
When being towed by a commercial tow
truck and wheel dollies are not used, the
front of the vehicle should always be lift-
ed, not the rear.
HNF4015
D080B02NFD080B01NF
CAUTION
Do not tow the vehicle backwards
with the front wheels on the
ground as this may cause dam-
age to the vehicle.
Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment. Use wheel lift or flatbed
equipment.
CAUTION
Before towing, check the level of
the automatic transaxle fluid. If it is
below the "HOT" range on the dip-
stick, add fluid. If you cannot add
fluid, a towing dolly must be used.
dolly

621
What to do in an emergency
When towing your vehicle in an emer-
gency without wheel dollies :
1. Set the ignition switch in the ACC posi-
tion.
2. Place the transaxle shift lever in N
(Neutral).
3. Release the parking brake.
Emergency towingIf towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by an authorized
Hyundai dealer or a commercial tow
truck service.
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing hook
under the front (or rear) of the vehicle.Use extreme caution when towing the
vehicle. A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hard-surfaced roads for a short dis-
tance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, power train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
Do not use the tow hooks to pull a vehi-
cle out of mud, sand or other condi-
tions from which the vehicle cannot be
driven out under its own power.
Avoid towing a vehicle heavier than the
vehicle doing the towing.
The drivers of both vehicles should
communicate with each other frequent-
ly.
CAUTION
Failure to place the transaxle shift
lever in N (Neutral) may cause inter-
nal damage to the transaxle.
OHD066005OMG065013
FrontRear

What to do in an emergency22 6 Before emergency towing, check that
the hook is not broken or damaged.
Fasten the towing cable or chain
securely to the hook.
Do not jerk the hook. Apply steady and
even force.
To avoid damaging the hook, do not
pull from the side or at a vertical angle.
Always pull straight ahead. Use a towing strap less than 16 feet (5
m) long. Attach a white or red cloth
(about 12 inches (30 cm) wide) in the
middle of the strap for easy visibility.
Drive carefully so that the towing strap
is not loosened during towing.
CAUTION
Attach a towing strap to the tow
hook.
Using a portion of the vehicle
other than the tow hooks for tow-
ing may damage the body of your
vehicle.
Use only a cable or chain specifi-
cally intended for use in towing
vehicles. Securely fasten the
cable or chain to the towing hook
provided.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when towing
the vehicle.

driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the
emergency towing hook and tow-
ing cable or chain. The hook and
towing cable or chain may break
and cause serious injury or dam-
age.
If the disabled vehicle is unable
to be moved, do not forcibly con-
tinue the towing. Contact an
authorized Hyundai dealer or a
commercial tow truck service for
assistance.
Tow the vehicle as straight ahead
as possible.
Keep away from the vehicle dur-
ing towing.
OUN046024

623
What to do in an emergency
Emergency towing precautions Turn the ignition switch to ACC so the
steering wheel isn’t locked.
Place the transaxle shift lever in N
(Neutral).
Release the parking bake.
Press the brake pedal with more force
than normal since you will have
reduced brake performance.
More steering effort will be required
because the power steering system
will be disabled.
If you are driving down a long hill, the
brakes may overheat and brake per-
formance will be reduced. Stop often
and let the brakes cool off.
Tie-down hook
(for flatbed towing)
OHD066006L
WARNING
Do not use the hooks under the
front of the vehicle for towing pur-
poses. These hooks are designed
ONLY for transport tie-down. If the
tie-down hooks are used for tow-
ing, the tie-down hooks or front
bumper will be damaged and this
could lead to serious injury.
CAUTION -
Automatic
transaxle
If the car is being towed with all four
wheels on the ground, it can be
towed only from the front. Be sure
that the transaxle is in neutral. Do
not tow at speeds greater than 25
mph (40 km/h) and for more than 15
miles (25 km). Be sure the steering
is unlocked by placing the ignition
switch in the ACC position. A driver
must be in the towed vehicle to
operate the steering and brakes.

7
Engine compartment / 7-2
Maintenance services / 7-3
Owner maintenance / 7-5
Scheduled maintenance service / 7-7
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items / 7-12
Engine oil / 7-15
Engine coolant / 7-16
Brakes and clutch fluid / 7-19
Automatic transaxle fluid / 7-20
Washer fluid / 7-22
Parking brake / 7-22
Air cleaner / 7-23
Climate control air filter / 7-25
Wiper blades / 7-27
Battery / 7-29
Tires and wheels / 7-32
Fuses / 7-45
Light bulbs / 7-54
Appearance care / 7-59
Emission control system / 7-65
California perchlorate notice / 7-67
Maintenance

Maintenance2 7ENGINE COMPARTMENT
OHD076002
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Fuse box
6. Negative battery terminal
7. Positive battery terminal
8. Auto transaxle oil dipstick*
9. Radiator cap
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
* : if equipped
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Gasoline Engine (2.0L)